FOX Audio Central (FAC) caught up with Emily backstage following her elimination and spoke with her about her experience on American Idol, what it was like performing for JLo, and what’s next for the aspiring performer.

When asked what it was like performing a JLo song for JLo, a daring move to be sure, Emily didn’t hold back with her admiration for the Idol judge.

Jennifer has been one of my idols since I was a little girl.

I used to look up to her and to be able to perform her song in front of her, in live television?

I mean that is phenomenal, that is a dream, and her reaction, I mean, I couldn’t be more grateful.

FAC asked Emily about what she’s taking away from her experience on the show:

I just learned that, you know, I have a drive and I’m not going to give up.

I’ve learned, you know, just so many things that I could do, you know, vocally, performance wise, so many different things and, yeah, I’m just going to keep working on it.

I’m going to keep working towards this dream, ‘cause this is my dream and I’m not going to give up on it.

So we know Emily isn’t ready to give up on her American Idol dream, but what’s next for her as she works to keep pursuing her musical aspirations?

You know, there’s so many possibilities now, with being with Idol, being top 12, I mean that is a dream, that’s a chance in a lifetime.

Not many people get to say that.

I’m just so grateful just to have been here and this isn’t the end, you know, I’m going to keep working and I’m going to try to make an album, and I’m going to try to sell out arenas, you know, I’m just going to try my hardest to get my name out there, ‘cause, yeah, this has built a platform for me.

Are you looking forward to the chance to buy an album from Emily Piriz? We’ll keep watching and see if any labels sign her with a contract. Best of luck to Emily!